"Traditional" Music Careers

From Indie to Major in 12 Months...and Back Again:Is a Label Contract Right For You? (1:02:23)

In this keynote presentation, Tony van Veen interviews Brian Mazzaferri about how his band I Fight Dragons went from unknown act to signing with a major label in just 12 short months. They explore the creative marketing tactics that generated thousands of fans (and tons of revenue) for the band while they were still independent. And they explore the benefits and pitfalls of being on a major label, and why I Fight Dragons chose to go independent once again.

A must see for any serious independent artist looking to increase their success and learn more about life on a label.

You’ll learn:

The most effective strategies for quickly building your (or your band’s) popularity.

Easy strategies to make more money from your gigs.

How to offer really compelling products to fans, so they can’t resist buying them.

Details on financial terms, business terms, and marketing support that come with a major label deal.

When it’s better to stay independent, and when it’s better to sign with a label.

Your presenters:

Brian Mazzaferri - Lead Singer, I Fight Dragons

Brian Mazzaferri is the lead singer and songwriter of I Fight Dragons, a chiptune pop rock band from Chicago that spent 3 years on Atlantic Records, toured the nation a number of times (including two summers on the Vans Warped Tour), and raised $115,000 on Kickstarter to make and release their album The Near Future, which hit the Top 5 on the Billboard Vinyl chart the week of its release.

Tony van Veen - CEO, AVL Digital (Disc Makers/CD Baby)

Tony van Veen is CEO and president of AVL Digital Group, the parent company of CD Baby and Disc Makers. He has been at the forefront of empowering artists to release, distribute, and promote their own music. Tony oversaw the growth of Disc Makers from a small vinyl pressing plant with less than 40 employees to the undisputed leader in CD manufacturing and digital distribution for independent artists.